Compare roles in health

Not sure where to start with the hundreds of NHS careers? Use our compare roles section to get bite-size information on the entry requirements and training, pay and conditions, prospects and skills needed of up to three roles. If there is something that you think you could do, then get more in-depth information on the role.

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  1. Bricklayer

    Bricklayers build and repair walls and other parts of buildings.

    There are no set entry requirements to become bricklayer. To train as a bricklayer, you usually need GCSEs in English and maths. Employers may ask for some experience in construction or other practical work. There are often apprenticeships in estates support work which could provide such useful experience. When you start as a trainee bricklayer, your training will include health and safety, how to use the tools and equipment, all aspects of bricklaying and you will be encouraged to study for vocational qualifications. Where employers are advertising for qualified bricklayers, they will usually expect applicants to have a recognised vocational qualification in construction. They may ask for a driving licence.
    Estates staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As an estates support worker, you could start on AfC band 2. As a qualified craftsperson in estates maintenance, you will typically start on AfC band 3. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at bands 4 and above. Bricklayers in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. The job may involve early starts and weekend working. Terms and conditions will usually be different for bricklayers working outside of the NHS.
    As a bricklayer, you need to be interested in construction, physically fit for lifting, standing and carrying, neat and methodical, health and safety aware, willing to work outside in all weathers, able to read plans and able to work alone or in a team, You'll also need practical skills, good manual (hand) skills and good organisational skills.
    With experience, a bricklayer can become a team leader, supervising the work of others. With further experience you could progress to manager, responsible for a hospital, area or trust. There are opportunities outside the NHS.

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  2. Dietitian

    Dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food and advise people on their food and nutrition choices. 

    To practise as a dietitian, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to register you need to study for an approved programme in dietetics. This is usually a BSc (Hons) degree and courses are three or four years. Universities decide there own requirements but you're likely to need two or three A levels or equivalent, including chemistry, maths or biology, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language and maths. If you have a degree already with an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry, there are approved graduate-entry shortened Masters and diploma programmes. A degree apprenticeship in dietetics has been approved and offers an alternative route to HCPC registration.
    Most dietitians in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. Dietitians working elsewhere such as the food industry, the media or sports nutrition may work normal office hours of around 9.00am to 5.00pm. They may however have to work evenings or weekends according to the needs of the employer. Self-employed dietitians hours of work depend on client needs. They may work evenings and weekends to suit private clients. Some dietitians may have to travel between client appointments.
    Skills include an interest in science, food, people and their lifestyles, a positive and motivating attitude, an understanding of science be able to explain complex things simply and organisation skills
    You could specialise in a clinical area, such as cancer or diabetes. Or you could work with particular groups, such as elderly people or those with learning difficulties. Teaching and health education are also options. You could take on a management role where you would supervise the work of a team of dietitians. Eventually, you could be responsible for controlling a budget and planning and marketing a dietetic service. Elsewhere, you could specialise in for example, sports nutrition or an area of the food industry.

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